Reefer Operations Leader

APM Terminals; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

APM Terminals Elizabeth operates the Port of New York and New Jersey's largest refrigerated container capacity. The Reefer Manager leads critical reefer operations, maintenance, and reliability initiatives across the terminal, coordinating with multiple teams to ensure safe, efficient temperature-controlled cargo handling.

You will drive preventive and corrective maintenance programs, monitor KPI performance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while fostering a safety-first culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Refrigeration Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Admin, or related field preferred.
• 5-10 years in reefer operations, refrigerated container handling, or terminal operations; at least 3 years in leadership.
• TWIC Card eligibility or ability to obtain port access credentials.

Responsibilities

• Manage all reefer operations and maintenance across the terminal, ensuring safe, reliable handling of temperature-controlled cargo.
• Ensure continuous availability of reefer power infrastructure, monitoring systems, racks, outlets, and related assets.
• Oversee pre-trip inspections, reefer monitoring, temperature control, fault diagnostics, repairs and emergency interventions.
• Coordinate with Operations, Planning, Vessel Operations, Yard, Rail, and Customer Service to ensure uninterrupted reefer services.
• Develop and execute preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs; monitor performance and drive reliability improvements.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, CBP, FDA, customer requirements, and safety/environmental standards.
• Promote safety culture through observations, audits, risk assessments and corrective actions.
• Manage reefer budgets, develop CAPEX/OPEX forecasts, and oversee vendors and service agreements.
• Lead and develop reefer technicians and supervisory staff; drive continuous improvement.
• Drive Lean, 5S, digitalization, and KPI tracking to improve service levels and asset reliability.

Skills

Leadership experience

Reefer operations

Budget management

Navis N4/XPS

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree or related field

Tools

Power BI

Reefer monitoring platforms

Job description

APM Terminals Elizabeth operates the Port of New York and New Jersey's largest refrigerated container capacity. The Reefer Manager leads critical reefer operations, maintenance, and reliability initiatives across the terminal, coordinating with multiple teams to ensure safe, efficient temperature-controlled cargo handling.

You will drive preventive and corrective maintenance programs, monitor KPI performance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards while fostering a safety-first culture